Amid Unrest And Infighting At VA, White House Adviser To Host Meeting With Veterans’ Advocates
Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin has been in the spotlight not only for a scandal involving taxpayer dollars and a trip to Europe, but also for his claims that he's being undermined by political foes at his own agency. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly plans to meet with advocates to listen to any of their concerns.
The Washington Post:
White House Intends To Meet With Leading Veterans Groups Amid Drama At VA
White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly intends to meet with the nation’s leading veterans advocates next week amid ongoing anxiety that there is a desire by some of President Trump’s political appointees to oust Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, according to people familiar with the matter. The impending White House meeting follows a private gathering Tuesday of the top officials from 12 veterans service organizations (VSOs), including the American Legion, VFW and Disabled Veterans of America. These groups represent millions of former service members and their families, forming one of Trump’s core constituencies. (Wax-Thibodeaux, 2/21)
The Washington Post:
VA Chief Shulkin’s Job Is Safe, White House Says, Unless ‘Other Stuff Comes Out’
White House officials have told Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin that his job is safe, according to people familiar with the matter who indicated Tuesday that President Trump decided to “stomach the story” about Shulkin’s alleged misuse of taxpayer money during a 10-day trip to Europe. The president’s decision was communicated to Shulkin by White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, according to an administration official who, like others interviewed, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the situation candidly. Trump “personally likes Shulkin,” the official said, cautioning, however, that “if other stuff comes out, this could change, but for now, he’s safe.” (Wax-Thibodeaux, Rein and Dawsey, 2/20)
